June 2015 reviews - London

Reviews of the show
cindythenurse
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Re: June 2015 reviews - London

Post by cindythenurse »

Tuesday 23rd June

Great atmosphere and anticipation in the air. Packed house from my viewpoint, mid stalls. All regular principal adults back, with anticipated exception of Ruthie.

From curtain up, a joyous roller coaster through every conceivable emotion. I admit to a little apprehension on my part (see my last review) but that was very soon alleviated.

Bradley as Billy gave a magnificent display of acting and dancing ability. Such confidence in delivery, timing, expression and reaction, it was truly a mesmerising performance. He had the audience in the palm of his hand from the off and reacting to every situation. There was laughter, there were tears, there was stunned silence, as well as gasps as he tapped, tumbled, flipped, break danced and pirouetted with power and grace in equal measure. Just stunning!!

Bradley was ably assisted by Todd, giving a wonderful interpretation as Michael. Able to display his comic ability to great effect and switch effortlessly to the poignancy of the 'Winter Scene' and final curtain.

What can I say about Deka as Dad. He IS Dad. So convincing and perfectly pitched at just the right level. No forced aggression, emotion or comedy here, but every aspect of the character and every situation given a natural and believable portrayal. A master class.

Chris as Tony giving another powerful and convincing performance. The ' He could be a star' scene is hard to imagine being played better.

Gillian as Grandma was great fun. Happily confused and in great voice. Has made the role her own, which is no mean achievement!

Wendy as Mrs W seems to have taken some of her own advice and was giving it plenty of 'backbone' and 'welly'. What a difference it makes. Much more enjoyable than the somewhat laid-back and subdued effort of last week.

The minor roles and children all performed to the highest level and supported what was a hugely enjoyable evening. Well deserved and unanimous standing ovations!

I now know why I enjoyed this performance so much more than the last, but I will keep that to myself!

As always, this is my review and can only reflect my own personal perceptions, reactions, views and critique on the show and the performers in it. I can only see through my own eyes, hear with my own ears and react with my own emotions. I am sure we can all say we have disagreed with a review, or another audience member in conversation. That is the nature of reviews. They are personal opinions. Of course we cannot have perfection every time. Should we expect perfection every time? Perhaps not. Should the Production Team ensure that the Company go on stage in the best possible position to deliver perfection? I think so.

Regards

Cindythenurse
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jmh2014
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Re: June 2015 reviews - London

Post by jmh2014 »

Thursday June 25th

There was a dazzling star radiating brilliance from the VPT stage Thursday night. That star was Thomas Hazelby. Whatever the reason for Thomas’s absence, it is clear the time has been used to good effect. The result was a performance head and shoulders above anything I’ve seen from him before. Yes there were a couple of slips during Dream Ballet, but they were minor.

Any doubts about his fitness were dispelled by an outstanding Angry Dance. The energy was there from start to finish and there was no short cuts as he tapped, shouted and screamed his way through the routine.

Before this, a clearly emotional had Thomas used these feelings to deliver a breath-taking Letter, made even more special by the way his face lit up as his mum appeared.

Electricity with cartwheels instead of summersaults showcased his pure ballet skills and each step executed with perfect timing.

Special mention to Gillian who appears to be having the time of her life as Grandma.

Connie’s Debbie is very much her own and whilst there was no “Oh my God” when she was ordered off stage, the look she gave Mrs W more than made up for it.

Todd’s Michael towered over Thomas, but that didn’t stop them having a blast during Expressing. The winter scene allowed Todd’s acting abilities to shine alongside his comedic side.

A huge thank you to Deka, Chris, Ruthie and the ensemble for giving everything yet again and not forgetting the unsung heroes of the cast, the ballet girls. They are never short of miraculous and probably don’t receive the plaudits they deserve.

The night belonged to Thomas and on this evidence he has some future ahead of him.
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patc
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Re: June 2015 reviews - London

Post by patc »

Thursday 25th June

When Freddie Trueman, one of England’s greatest bowlers, passed away someone on radio described him as follows:” ’e were pure Yawksheer, that lad, ‘e were. Gutsy, determined………and brilliant”. That, or any other higher adjective you can find, sums up Thomas Hazelby at the VPT on Thursday evening. Despite his lengthy enforced absence he has bounced back with a vengeance, every bone and muscle in his body powered by an engine that could propel Dickie Branson all the way to Mars and back, never mind the moon. Like everyone else at the theatre I sat mesmerised as this jaw-dropping performance developed in front of disbelieving eyes. Not that my eyes were disbelieving – I had been lucky to be there on his debut night, as recently as 11th March.

Nothing is going to stand in this Billy’s way of “getting in”, not even tables or chairs, LOL. You’d think that, after all these years (and Billys), there are no other different ways left to play the role. You’d be wrong.

There’s been lots of complaints made in recent times about TV series where actors are so mumbling their lines that people are having to switch on the subtitles. I even had to do it myself for Broadchurch. Not so with ‘wor Billys and Thomas’ voice is as crystal as the waters of the Caribbean – even when it is stormy. You don’t miss a syllable. When he makes a point it remains made. The dancing was breathtaking. His spin across the stage in front of the Ensemble in Solidarity was Twister-like, the full width from pillar to pillar and the two big numbers were spectacularly superb.

My favourite scene in the show has always been Dream Ballet but the performance of Electricity with Deka reacting so emotionally to what he is seeing (Father finally discovering what his son is all about) never fails to send my soul into a place where Mankind was never expected to go. It certainly went there again last evening as Thomas spun to a finish with that gloriously soaring music adding to the emotions. I’m sure he’s been missing it, I know we missed him and so my whole heart sends him best wishes for an uninterrupted continuation in the role for a long, long time to come.

Todd has been a brilliant Michael from Day One blending his natural comedic talent with a shrewd ability to change the mood in an instant and a most impressive bit of tap. As he has matured in the role along the way he has added that other little bit of magical extra something – let’s call it “oomph” - and is assured of legendary status at the VPT. The manner in which he rolls his eyes for the Nutcracker joke reminds me of that great and, oh so funny man, the great Frankie Howard and I can hardly think of a better compliment than that.

Connie and her team of (Orgreave) Ballet Girls were outstanding in every aspect. The energy and class these girls inject into their roles keep the momentum of the show going at a brisk tempo whenever they are on stage and, for me, their sparkle, smiles (especially the crazy ones) and plainly obvious enjoyment of their roles is a pleasure to watch. Stephen Daldry knew what he was doing when he devised the sequences for Billy’s ballet training in Solidarity. Peter Darling’s choreography depicting it all is a masterpiece and the girls’ delivery of it is excellent even if, of necessity, they have to take a step back for a while before joining in with the miners and coppers for its climactic conclusion. I’ve watched this scene separately on the DVD a few times just to marvel in its complexity and genius (as well as spot some things in closeup not spotted before due to its complexity).

Up for special mention this week are Mike Scott and David Stoller. Mike is the last man standing having been in the show from the beginning and stepped in with a delightful cameo as Pencil Man. I always enjoy his Posh Dad when he stands in. According to his bio his professional career started at age 11 in The Sound of Music UK tour. He is described in the program as Dance Captain/Swing. David is current Posh Dad (and Scab) which I enjoy thoroughly and, most importantly, he is now always on hand during Maggie Thatcher to get the crowd involvement going and I always look to him for the signal to begin.

In writing just this review of yesterday I am conscious of the fact that the matinee show was another magnificent spectacle with Bradley (him being the “Thursday Matinee specialist” means I’ve probably already done more reviews of his shows than anyone elses). With Mega-Michael Tomi and Ice-KooL Kyria in cracking supporting form you couldn’t possibly go wrong and the usual large youthful gatherings in the matinee audience made sure they were appreciated to the full.

Despite the hot weather outside both shows were very well attended and the audience reaction was as you’d expect.

My thanks to all concerned for another day of unrivalled entertainment.

It was nice to meet up again with long-time Forum member tzwicky from LA. Have a safe journey home and may your final Billython show on Monday be another memorable one ;) .

Pat
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tzwicky
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Not really a review, but ......

Post by tzwicky »

OK, not so much a review, but on Saturday June 27, when huge swaths of London were open only to pedestrians in or civilians watching the Monster-Sized Pride London Parade that ended at Trafalgar Square, the entire Day Tickets section at the VPT was empty. Row A was unseated.

At the interval I asked if I could squat, and I did, to Chris Hatt's immediate right. (edited out my brain freeze)
Ollie did a bang-up show. Such a friendly, smiley Billy.

The show was Sign Interpreted by Donna Ruane, a true pro in her field.

tzwicky
Flyin high
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Re: June 2015 reviews - London

Post by Flyin high »

Friday 26th June.

I was happy to see Bradley's name on the cast board. I feel very lucky that, in my 4 shows, I've been able to see 4 different actors play the role of Billy.

My friend came with me, and it was her first time seeing the show. I enjoyed hearing her comments. What stood out to her? Firstly, the pace at which the show moves - "much faster than other musicals I've seen, moving seamlessly from one scene to the next." She found the story and the acting completely believable (again not always the case with other shows), and she loved the clever way in which the violent and political edge is reflected throughout. Of course, she was blown away by the acting cast - particularly Deka, Chris, Nathan and Bradley.

We had fantastic seats near the front of the dress circle, allowing us to see the full effects of the choreography, staging and dramatic lighting. In particular, dream ballet looks so beautiful and mesmerising from this view point, as does angry dance. I noticed the lighting more than I have done before. It's so dramatic and perfectly timed, making you feel completely transformed into the place that each scene is taking you.

It was wonderful to watch the MD from up there. The first time I've watched him so closely, fascinated by the way he conducts and interacts with the cast and musicians. I've always wondered what Billy throws at the police in Angry Dance. Suddenly the pieces of wood(?) seemed to appear. Does the MD pass them up onto the stage to him??

Bradley was just brilliant. Just brilliant. The first thing I noticed was his lovely singing voice - so pure. And his acting - so committed. I read in a past review about Bradley's ability to engage and make eye contact with those he acts with. Wow - I really saw this. Fantastic interaction between him and Mrs W. The goodbye scene was very moving indeed. I also saw that, compared with other Billy's, he seems quite well developed physically (toned and muscular), quite the young man. I know he's slightly older, but I wonder if more acrobatic/street work makes for a different physique than someone who does more ballet. Although older and taller, this does not take away from what was a truly realistic portrayal of the vulnerable, lonely boy who is very much a beginner to the world of dance in the early scenes.

So, my first time seeing a street electricity! I'm definitely a balletomane, so have to admit to feeling apprehensive as the audition scene played out. He threw the bag at Dad, and from that moment onwards Bradley's dancing was oh so strong. He is clearly a polished and precise dancer, with bags of stamina that allows him to perform flip after flip, tumble after tumble. In all honesty, I did miss the pirouettes at the end of this number.....but I'm willing to forgive as Bradley's wall flip was pure genius and had the audience cheering for what seemed like an age. What a seasoned performer.

A few anomalies. In the breakfast scene the toast didn't pop up and the pan didn't catch fire. And a couple of nice touches I hadn't seen before. Bradley held up his finger to say 'one minute' when the tape was being rewound at the audition. And after Tony retrieved the RBS letter from the bin, he took some time rolling it into a tube (to the audience's amusement) before tapping Billy on the head with it. And I loved Bradley's laughter as Tony lifted and congratulated him.

The rest of the cast were their usual superb selves - spot on. Does anyone ever stand in for Chris as Tony? He seems to perform night after night in a way that's relentlessly dramatic, angry, fresh and convincing.

I had a really wonderful night at the theatre! The story of Billy continues to touch my heart and soul, and I'm flyin high after another captivating performance! :D
dancingboy
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Re: June 2015 reviews - London

Post by dancingboy »

The two blocks are 'free ones' at the front of the stage which are then replaced during the interval.
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tzwicky
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Saturday Evening, 27 June

Post by tzwicky »

Saturday Evening, 27 June

Again, just a few things I noted and kudos here and there.

The toaster has not worked the last three shows. Call the Procter Silex man.

So my fave standouts of the show were, like anyone could not see this coming, Brodie and Nathan. They work so well together.

After seeing Brodie at least twice or three times in this 13-show Billython, I can say without fear of contradiction that he is so practised at playing Billy, he just inhabits the role seamlessly to the point where I would normally use the word effortlessly. But as we all know, there's soooooooo much effort in becoming Billy, that word without explanation would be out of place big-time.

And, most fun of all, Brodie is a cheerful, accessible, fun Billy. And staying cheerful on stage with all those pushing and shoving Ballet Girls is in itself a Hurculean task, one that Brodie pulls off in spades. Lots of eye contact with the front of Stalls.

Nathan is soooo funny. Every Michael you see on stage is really talented at being a wise-ass scamp of epic proportions. But IMHO, Nathan notches it all up in "Expressing Yourself."

And, with any Michael, the question for me remains why they edited out the riotously funny line 'It smells like Tracy Atkinson' after Billy throws the tutu to him between the second half opening number and the Dream Ballet. I always thought that was one of the benchmark lines of the show. Can't imagine why that line fell by the wayside after being in the show all those years. I can flip my brain into 'Politically-Correct Police' mode in a twinkle, but since the line always got a laff, I wonder who the aggrieved party was (other than Tracy Atkinson)?

And another thing, veering back and across the show, kinda like how my brain acts normally, at least 2-3 of the current Billys do this sniffing thing with the letter of acceptance (oooops, a spoiler) from The Royal Ballet School. Brodie did it tonight. He gets the letter off the table, taps it in his hand a few times, then sniffs at the back of the envelope three times. Am I missing some historical information about Royal Mail from the past? Locals, please chime in. Enquiring minds want to know.

Oh, and something I always notice, Billy's and Michael's smooching. Tonight, Michael's kiss did not reach the sound system nor the front row, as far as I could tell. But later in the show, Brodie plants a loud peck on Michael. That always gets a tear from me, even if the peck is not audible. I'm already crying by that point, feeling Michael's pain at losing his friend. I'm not looking for anything unseemly in either scene, I've always thought these scenes are integral to the plot moving forward.

Speaking of the final scenes of the show, when did the genuflecting at the Miner's Banner get added to things Billy does on his way off the stage?

Oh, at the Matinee show today, the entire front row A Stalls was empty. Not a soul. The only thing obvious was the interpretive signing going on. Don't think that was it, but I did notice and I was in (believe it or not) B-21 Stalls so I was coveting those empty seats the whole first half. At the interval, I asked one of the ranking house crew persons if it would be OK to 'squat' in the deserted row and was given the go-ahead. I scurried right down before a civilian got the same idea. And I enjoyed the view from that side of the aisle, the side I almost never sit in.

Only one more Billy to go on Monday, and who knows what might go on or I might say about that one. Re-Packing two weeks of luggage might preclude anything of significant length, but ya never know. The Billy Gods can be fickle. And I would not have it any other way.

tzwicky
Todd
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Re: June 2015 reviews - London

Post by Todd »

Flyin high wrote:I've always wondered what Billy throws at the police in Angry Dance. Suddenly the pieces of wood(?) seemed to appear. Does the MD pass them up onto the stage to him??
They're fitted into the stage, and Billy pulls them up after sliding towards the front of the stage. I would assume they are made of wood (since they're part of the stage). I think they're supposed to symbolize bricks being thrown at the police shields.
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patc
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Re: Saturday Evening, 27 June

Post by patc »

why they edited out the riotously funny line 'It smells like Tracy Atkinson'
That's been gone for many years now. Perhaps it didn't fit in with the next line, "It's a bit small" :D.
when did the genuflecting at the Miner's Banner get added to things Billy does on his way off the stage?
It started around the time of the Live show. At first all Billys didn't do it but since then they all do. It's meaning was discussed a bit at the time but I don't recall any convincing answer was presented.

Pat
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ERinVA
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Re: June 2015 reviews - London

Post by ERinVA »

The Tracy Atkinson line wasn't original to the show anyway. Over the years, as we all know, lines have come and gone, sometimes very quickly. The funny thing is, many of us still miss the pork pie line. I couldn't care less about the "Tracy" line, but I would love to see the pork pie return. :D
Ellen



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